www No. 436 May-June 2016 jiho

RIMBAN’S MESSAGE JODO SHINSHU AND PRAYER

“As Jodo Shinshu Buddhist, we shall seek to be going to do? I don’t pray.” When I met the fam- mindful of our words and deeds, be responsible ily at the hospital, I expressed my condolences citizens of our society and share with others the and we talked about their father. I then told truth and reality of Jodo Shinshu. Understand- them that I was a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest ing fully the principle of causality, we shall not and explained that within our tradition we chant practice petitionary prayer or magic, nor shall with the understanding that we are expressing we rely upon astrology or other superstitions.” our appreciation and gratitude to our loved one. I’ve been serving as a However, I told them to please offer a prayer Buddhist chaplin at the within their own tradition while I chant. After I LAC + USC Medical chanted a sutra, I remained with the family in Center for several years silence as they wept. As I departed I was now. Since then, I’ve touched by their expression of appreciation that been called perhaps 20 I had come to chant a sutra for their father. times to visit Buddhist Among all Buddhist, Jodo Shinshu Buddhist are patients. Sometimes pa- the only Buddhist who do not practice prayers tients just wanted to talk nor do we teach that there can be benefits in RIMBAN to a Buddhist priest but this world through petitionary prayer. For most WILLIAM BRIONES most of the time I was Buddhists, prayer is central in their practice. called when a loved one The reading I began with is an excerpt from passed away. “The Essentials of Jodo Shinshu” (Kyosho). It I remember one of my first visits, when I was can be found in the front page of any Jodo Shin- called by the chaplaincy office. There was a shu service book, under Tradition: “Under- Los Angeles Vietnamese family at the hospital that just lost standing fully the principle of causality, we shall Hompa Hongwanji their father and they requested a Buddhist not practice petitionary prayer or magic, nor Buddhist Temple priest to offer prayers to their loved one. I told shall we rely upon astrology or other supersti- 815 East First Street the chaplain on duty that I was a Jodo Shinshu tions.” In one sentence, Jodo Shinshu radically Los Angeles, CA 90012 minister which is a Japanese Buddhist tradition, differentiates us from all other Buddhist tradi- TEL: 213.680.9130 but he said they had tried several Buddhist tem- tions. FAX: 213.680.2210 ples and no one was willing or able to go. Hear- Most major religions involve prayer in one way WEB: nishihongwanji-la.org ing of the chaplain’s predicament, I agreed to or another. Prayer is probably the oldest form EMAIL: [email protected] meet with the family. As I drove to the hospital I thought, “What am I (continued on page 9) MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 2

NAMES by Rev. Koho Takata

Members sometime ask me the his disciples. meaning of their Japanese names. An order was issued to Honen Shonin and seven of his Each Japanese character has a disciples including Shinran Shonin. They were given sec- unique meaning such as Tokuko- ular names, because the imperial court could not punish valuable child, Kunio - country boy, monks by laws of the time. Shinran Shonin’s secular Yoshiko - good girl, Hanako - beau- name was Yoshizane Fujii. However, he chose his last tiful girl like a flower, etc. name as Toku for himself. By adopting the name “Toku”, REV. KOHO TAKATA My wife and I had two opportunities he declared he was neither a monk nor a layman. “Gu” to select names for our expected ba- which means ignorant usually preceded the name “Toku”. bies. However, we did not know whether they would be Thus, the name Gutoku was created. boys or a girls. So, we thought names for both a boy and While still in Echigo, Shinran added the name Shinran, a girl. composed of Ten-Jin (Vasubandhu) of the 2nd master As with my daughters, when babies are born, they are not (“Shin” is another pronunciation of the character “Jin”.) and able to select their own names. Most names will be given Don-Ran (T’an-luan) of the 3rd master. He used Gutoku by parents, relatives, or others. The names given often re- Shinran as his full name for the remainder of his life. flect hopes and aim in life. In looking at all of Shinran’s different names, I feel his Shinran Shonin is the founder of Jodo Shinshu. He has names were expressions of his gratitude to the Nembutsu had several names throughout his lifetime. Significant cir- teachings. He was especially thankful to those Pure Land cumstances during his life effected his name changes. masters for the wonderful gift of Amida Buddha. Let us ex- Matsuwakamaro was his first name, given by his parents. press our gratitude to Shinran Shonin who transmitted the His parents’ best wishes are reflected on this name, mean- Nembutsu teachings from Pure Land masters and clarified ing, “A young boy grows as a pine tree.” the teachings for us. Upon entering monkhood at the age of nine, the name Hannen was given to Shinran by the master Jichin. The first character “Han” was adopted from his father’s name, Arinori Hino. “Nori” is also pronounced as “Han”. After descending from Mt. Hiei and becoming a disciple of Honen Shonin, the name Shakku was given to Shinran by the master. “Shaku” was adopted from the 4th master of Jodo Shinshu, Do-Shaku (Tao-ch’o), and “Ku” was from the 7th master, Gen-Ku (Honen Shonin). The name was later changed to Zenshin which was conferred upon him by the vision of Prince Shotoku, consisting of Zen-Do (Shan-tao) of the 5th master and Gen-Shin of the 6th mas- ter. In 1207, exiled by the government, Shinran was stripped of his monkhood and given a secular name. At that time, the followers of the Nembutsu increased so rapidly that the scholars of Mt. Hiei and Nara became jealous of Honen Shonin. They feared that the center of Buddhism was gradually moving towards the Nembutsu teachings. The jealous monks approached the imperial court and claimed that the way of the Nembutsu teachings was not Judy Izumo, Hollywood Buddhist Church according to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. They president, presents Rimban Briones and Bet- denounced Honen Shonin and the Nembutsu teachings. suin president, Kenji Hatakeyama, a donation As the result, the imperial court could not drop the matter from the Hollywood Buddhist Church for the and was forced to take action against Honen Shonin and Betsuin’s 50th Anniversary Fund. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 3

MEMORIES BEYOND LIFE by Rev. Kazuaki Nakata The columbarium is called the nokot- By then I was comfortable in opening an urn. I told the sudo in Japan-ese American Bud- family, “Sure, I am happy to take care of it.” dhism and by Japanese Americans. I held the two urns in both my hands and went to the Nokotsu means placement of an in- hondo. I first placed a sheet of aluminum foil on a table, dividual’s ashes or bones. Do means if any of the ashes were to leak out of the plastic bag, I a building with rooms inside. could easily place it back into the urn. I unscrewed the Within the Shin Buddhist tradition in wife’s urn and took out the plastic bag containing her REV. KAZ Japan, many temples have a nokot- ashes. The husband’s urn was bigger so the family sudo as part of the temple or in out- wished to put both set of ashes into the husband’s urn. side locations. Our mother temple Hongwanji in Kyoto, I unscrewed a husband’s urn and I attempted to put her has its own nokotsudo which is known as the Otani-Hon- ashes into the’s urn. Her plastic bag, however, was byo in the eastern Kyoto area. slightly larger than the free space in the urn. I made sev- The Otani-Honbyo was originally established in 1272. eral attempts but I couldn’t get it to fit. The family had That was nine years after our founder Shinran Shonin’s been waiting at the temple office so I went to explain the death. Subsequently, 200 years later, our ancestors en- problem. I suggested tha, “If we mix both of their ashes countered the first Jodo Shinshu persecution in 1465. into one plastic bag, it will fit.” The family agreed with my After the tragedy of the persecution, Otani-Honbyo had to idea. So, I walked back to the hondo and I opened their be relocated several times. Finally, in 1603, the current plastic bags. I slowly poured her ashes into the husband’s location was found and named the location “Otani”. A new plastic bag. Buddha Hall (Daibutsu Den) was built in Otani. Later, the Then, something fell out of the wife’s bag onto the alu- Buddha Hall and its complex was reformed and renamed minum foil. It was a ring. I assumed that the ring was on to Otani-Honbyo. her during the cremation process because it was cracked. The nokotsudo at the L.A. Betsuin was newly constructed I then wondered if the husband’s ashes might contain in 2005 as a part of our Nishi centennial special occasion. something. So, I squeezed the bag with my fingers and The nokotsudo is able to house thousands of urns. Over found something. I used a pair of metal chopsticks and 10 years later there are hundreds of urns have been managed to retrieve what was his wedding band which placed. had the same design as his wife’s ring. In the last 15 years of my ministry, I have had many unique I then had the idea to join the two rings. Her ring was requests regarding the urns. Some families wished to put cracked so I was able to link the two rings. their loved one’s ashes or bones into a pendant so that Before I opened the urns, their had children shared with they could carry with them. Another family initially wanted me that their mom and dad had shared their love and life to have their family member in an urn. They, subsequently for over 55 years. They always helped each other. For decided to scatter the ashes in the ocean. this reason the children had requested to put their ashes There have been times where I have had to open an urn. together into one urn, though they did not expect to have When opening an urn, there is a clear plastic bag with an their ash mixed together. attached tag with a serial number. When I opened an urn After I poured all her ashes with his ashes, I placed their for the first time, it was unsettling. I placed the urn on the joined rings on top of their ashes. I whispered, “Now both front table of the altar and chanted. In my head I knew of you really really are together.” Unexpectedly, I began that there was no magical miracles or ghosts in Shin Bud- tearing up. dhism. As a human being, however, I was not comfortable with this situation. I would like to share a story that took Do you visit your family grave or nokotsudo? There are place over ten years ago. many stories within those urns. When we see their name on their urn, gravestone or name plate, we remember the One day, a family brought two urns to my office and asked loving memories and their smiling face. We can then real- me, ize those memories beyond life. In our Shin Buddhist tra- “Rev. Kaz, our family would like to put my mom and dad’s dition in the BCA, we especially encourage all to visit your ashes together. Can you do that?” (continued on page 4) MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 4

“50 YEARS” UPDATE REPORT by Ernest Hida, 50th Anniversary Chairman

As we continue with the planning of the 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple at its current location, I cannot help but reflect upon its be- ginnings. The current structure was dedicated on Novem- ber 16, 1969 with the attendance of the Monshu Kosho Ohtani and Lady Ohtani. The temple was re-located from the First Street and Cen- tral Avenue location due to the planned redevelopment of the northside of First Street of Little Tokyo by the City of Los Angeles and the temple was not included in that plan. It began with the difficult decision to re-locate and the tire- less planning by the ministers and the temple leaders. The Dharma School students are continuing their 50th An- Once the decision was made to re-locate, finding and ac- niversary fundraising project by still collecting recyclable quiring property had to take place. From there, construc- plastics. Please support the students by bringing your re- tion of the temple and financing this project were of the cyclable plastics to the temple to support the students’ utmost priority. great fundraising efforts. A big thank you to these students for their youthful dedication. Also, a thank you to other or- Building a temple from the ground up was no simple task. ganizations for their fundraising efforts for the 50th An- It required the absolute dedication and devotion of the niversary and individual donors for their generosity. ministers and temple leaders on top of maintaining the op- erations of the current temple. They faced the responsi- A reminder to all if you are interested in having your name bilities of every aspect of the design of the temple building, included on the floral tile that will be installed in the ceiling the construction process and the final arrangement and of the onaijin. The deadline for your initial donation is July setup of the hondo and onaijn, which was the main re- 31, 2016. The list of the donors’ names will be sent to the sponsibilities of the ministers. Wakabayashi Butsugu Mfg Company in Kyoto to inscribe the names on the tiles. If you have already made a dona- While construction was taking place, the ministers and tion, your name will automatically be included. leaders were also involved in a large fundraising campaign to finance this new temple structure. It was an immense We thank you very much for your past support and we sin- struggle which required great efforts and sacrifices by the cerely look forward to your continued dedicated support. ministers, leaders and members to successfully raise the Let us put our hearts and minds together and work to- funds to complete the new temple. What an amazing gether for a wonderful and meaningful 50th Anniversary legacy that has been left for all of us. celebration of our temple in 2019 to honor our Issei pio- neers and past members for the legacy they left for us. Today, we must not forget what was accomplished for all of us and continue this beautiful and meaningful legacy for Gassho, Ernest Hida the future generations.

(Nakata - continued from page 3)

family’s grave during the Memorial Day weekend and dur- ing Obon. We do think of Obon as a joyous time with the dancing, food, and drink, but we need to remember that Obon is a time to remember and visit our family’s grave and nokotsudo. During the Memorial Day weekend, we will conduct special services at various cemeteries and at the nokotsudo. You are encouraged to attend these serv- ices. Gassho Betsuin New Members MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 5

GOTAN-E DHARMA SERVICE THE BIRTH OF SHINRAN SHONIN by Rev. Koho Takata The members of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist through the Teachings of the Nembutsu. Temple and their families are invited to attend the annual INFANT PRESENTATION CEREMONY Gotan-e Service, which is one of the Six Major Services The Infant Presentation Ceremony (Hatsumairi) will be in the Hongwanji tradition to be held on Sunday, May 22, held in conjunction with the Gotan-e (birth of Shinran 2016. The guest speaker for the service will be Rev. Yushi Shonin) Service on May 22, 2016. Application form is Mukojima of the resident minister of the Mountain View available on page 13 of this issue. Buddhist Temple for English Service and Rev. Seikan Fukuma of the BCA Minister Emeritus and former Rimban The "Infant Presentation Cere- of our temple for Japanese Service. mony" is an observance where parents formally present their Gotan-E celebrates the birth of our founder Shinran child to the Buddha and the Shonin who was born on May 21, 1173. Reviewing Shin- sangha for the first time. It will be ran Shonin’s life, he did not live a fortunate life filled with a precious opportunity for the happiness. Both his parents were gone at an early age child, parents, and the sangha to and he encountered many hardships throughout his life. rededicate themselves to walk to- But his spiritual experiences which evolved under many gether in the footsteps of Shinran trying conditions and in many places, have given the many Shonin and become aware that followers of the Buddha’s Teachings an answer to the pur- we are always in Oneness with pose of life in this world. Amida Buddha at all times and in all places in the Infinite Shinran Shonin spent his simple and modest life of 90 Light and Life. years with no thought of making himself spectacularly We strongly encourage the observance of the Hatsumairi prominent and impressive among the people. But millions in order to nurture individuals to rejoice in the Nembutsu. of Nembutsu followers are rejoicing over his way of life Children are nurtured by parents and parents, in turn, are through the guidance of Amida Buddha and his Teachings. fostered by children, and by living in Amida Buddha's Let us see the true aspect of Shinran Shonin’s shinjin and Heart we are able to build a Nembutsu life actualized by live the life of Oneness with the strength and conviction Shinran Shonin.

EITAIKYO MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE by Rev. Koho Takata

The Eitaikyo Monthly Memorial Service for those who who have passed away lived in the teachings of the Bud- passed away in the month of May and June is scheduled dha. Sutra chanting, rituals, and donations done by de- for Sunday, May 8 and Sunday, June 12, 2016 at ceased family members in the service are symbolic 1:00PM. expressions of our dedication and appreciation to our The Eitaikyo Monthly Memorial Services is held for de- loved ones. ceased family members who have contributed to the This observance gives each of us a chance to affirm our Eitaikyo fund and received Ingo which is a posthumous own understanding of Buddhism through our loved ones. title that was presented at the funeral service to an indi- Such affirmation gives us the precious opportunity for all vidual who has shown extraordinary leadership and exhib- of us to see how the teaching of the Buddha has helped ited a deep commitment and contribution to our temple. and enriched our lives and to recognize the continuation This Eitaikyo Monthly Memorial Service is a solemn occa- of the influence of their deeds upon our lives. Acknowledg- sion for all of us to express our appreciation and gratitude ing our dharma connection to our loved ones empowers to one’s dedication to the Buddha, dharma, and sangha. us to further pursue the path of the Buddha, dharma, and The term Eitaikyo means the perpetual chanting of the sangha, which our loved ones truly valued and appreci- sutra in memory of the deceased, signifying that all those ated. This is an opportunity to show our appreciation to our loved ones and to listen to the Buddha-dharma. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 6

DID YOU KNOW? by Eiko Masuyama

A smaller Buddhist altar (obutsudan) con- Following graduation from Los taining a scroll, with an image of Amida Gatos High School, Kaoru en- Buddha, was placed in the main hall rolled at the University of Califor- (hondo) on January 24th, following the nia, Berkeley, and graduated Auspicious Commemoration Service for with a B.S. in chemistry in 1938. Transporting Amida Buddha Statue and While attending Cal, he was af- EIKO Altar for restoration. filiated with the Young Men and Women Buddhist Association MASUYAMA From where did this smaller altar come? Kaoru Inouye and started photographing their It is thought that this obutsudan was ac- functions. quired between 1905 and 1917. It was installed on Dec. 9, 1917, at the first permanent location on the second floor He and his family were incarcerated at Heart Mountain of Yamato Hall, located on Central and Jackson Streets. Wyoming concentration camp via the Santa Anita Race- track in Arcadia, CA. While in camp, Kaoru assisted the When the membership built a new temple in 1925 at 119 Heart Mountain Buddhist Church Sunday school, following North Central Avenue (now part of the Japanese American superintendent, Mr. Yutaka Shinohara. National Museum), a new obutsudan was installed. The Yamato Hall altar was placed in a small chapel in the base- He was drafted out of camp and into the MIS (Military In- ment. The basement also had the main kitchen, colum- telligence Service) and was sent to Japan as a language barium (nokotsudo), library, printing room, and interpreter during the U.S. occupation of Japan. While in classrooms. Sendai, he met Yoshiko Utsushigawa, an American, who was forced to remain in Japan during WWII, suffering the In 1969, the temple moved to our current First Street lo- side effects of war. After the war, she was hired by the US cation, and the Yamato Hall altar was placed in the original Army as a secretary, where she met Kaoru. Wisteria Chapel. In 2005, the obutsudan was restored for the centennial celebration and placed in the new Wisteria Upon returning to the U.S. with a Japanese-American war Chapel in the new building addition. bride, Yoshiko, and two year old daughter, Cheryl, he was employed at Aerojet General in Azusa during the “space The obutsudan you now see in the hondo, is our connec- race” and Analytical Research Labs, Inc. Children, Marvin, tion to the Issei and Nisei who established Los Angeles Sheila, and Tedd, followed. Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Our nembutsu res- onates with their nembutsu, and our gratitude for their sac- Kaoru passed away September 11, 1999, in Los Angeles. rifices is unending, -- Ondokusan Thank you to Marvin Inouye, son of late Kaoru Inouye, for f anyone has information about the history of the small donating many photo albums, to the Nishi archives. Pho- obutsudan, 1905 -1917, or photos or stories of that era, tos from the 1970s – 1999, including Nishi events, BCA please share. Thank you to Bruce Hatakeyama for assist- National Council Meetings and events, Southern District ing in writing above article. events, Southern District temple events. BCA and South- ern District photos have been donated to the BCA Collec- * * * * * tion at the Japanese American National Museum; photos Kaoru Inouye of Little Tokyo events have been donated to Little Tokyo Betsuin photographer (1970s – 1999) Historical Society. Betsuin president (1982-1983) Donations: To Archives—Nishi Matrons financial records, by Marvin Inouye late Helen Adler, treasurer, donated by Michael Richards; Kaoru Inouye was born December 5, 1915 in Los Gatos, To Library—Japanese and English books, donated by California, the oldest of six children. He attended a one- Cindy Oda; Bukkyo sha no Sensou Taiken, Bukkyo Times, room classroom elementary school while working on his donated by Yukikazu Nagashima. Gassho parents’ prune ranch. He was told by his father at a young age that the opportunity in America to prosper was great and therefore he should try to assimilate into American so- ciety. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 7

DHARMA CENTER SPRING COURSES

The Dharma Center of the Los Angles Hompa Hongwanji May 7, 14, 21, June 4, 11 (5 week class: $50) Buddhist Temple will be offering the following courses in General Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The Introduction to Buddhism/Jodo Shinshu Buddhism courses will be introductory for those who are new to the Every Sunday, 11:00-11:30AM (free) Rev.William Briones Buddhist concepts and continuing education for those al- Applied Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Studies for Teens ready learning the truth of the Dharma to live each mo- (Age 11 and up) ment in the teachings. Let us all enrich our lives by Sunday, 11:30-12:15AM (free) Rev. Kazuaki Nakata April listening to the teachings. 3, 17, 24, May 8, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 Shoshin Nembutsu-ge (Shoshinge) - Hymn of True For further information about the courses or to register for Shinjin and the Nembutsu one or more courses, please call the temple office at 213- Monday, 6:30-8:00PM Rev. Koho Takata 680-9130. April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 (5 week class: $50) You may also download the pamphlet on the temple web- Introduction to the Three Pure Land Sutras site: http://www.nishihongwanji-la.org/ Tuesday, 7:00-8:30PM Rev. Ryuta Furumoto April 19, 26, May 3, 17, 24 (5 week class: $50) Contemporary Issues and Jodo Shinshu Perspective (Discussion) Wednesday, 7:00-8:30PM Rev.William Briones April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 (5 week class: $50) Traditions of Nishi Hongwanji Thursday, 7:00-8:30PM Rev. Masao Kodani April 7, 21, 28, May 5, 26 (5 week class: $50) Jodo Shinshu Ritual on Death and Dying (in Jpn) Friday, 10:00-11:00AM (6 week class: $60) Rev. Koho Takata April 15, 29, May 13, 27, June 3, 17 Rimban Briones’ Dharma Center class discussing “Con- Drawing Closer to and Learning from Extraordinary temporary Issues and Jodo Shinshu Perspective” . Pic- lay Shin Buddhists, Such as the Myokonin Shomatsu, tured is the casual culmination class for the Winter Saichi, Kichibe, and Others session. Saturday, 10:00-11:30AM Rev. Tetsuo Unno

YOUTH ESSAYS

Applied Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Studies for Teens to be a monk. That was until Shinran Shonin, under the In February of 2015, Rev. Kaz Nakata started an intensive guidance of Honen Shonin, opened up Buddhism to Buddhist studies class for teens who belong to the Boy everybody through lecturing about the Nembutsu way. and Girl Scout program at the Nishi Betsuin. During 2015, This teaching became what we call Jodo Shinshu Bud- the students learned the essential teachings of Buddhism dhism. Since we are practitioners of tradition of Jodo in English, Chinese, Japanese and Indian Sanskrit. Each Shinhu at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, we believe of the students wrote an essay on a particular topic in Bud- that the sangha is everyone who follows and listens to the dhism. Here, two of the students will share what they have dharma as well as our ancestors that came before us. learned in the class. We hope you will enjoy how they Sangha relates to many aspects of my life. In Girl Scouts, enjoy learning Buddhism. my leader is like a dharma school teacher. She teaches Sangha: Pass It On — by Michelle Itomura us new things and helps understand what we are doing. A long time ago, sangha referred to the monks who prac- She probably gained the experience from someone who ticed Buddhism. So in order to be enlightened, you had (continued on page 9) MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 8

50TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT DANCE II by Mirei Kagawa With our elevated commitment to ensure the future of the chats’ for those who’d like to reconnect and catch up with temple that serves so many of us in many ways, we are As plans for this event take shape, please consider being featuring the 2nd annual 50th Anniversary Benefit a part of it and making it a success. Let’s make this dance Dance on Saturday, May 21st, right here in the kaikan. a night to remember to preserve what we hold dear that is Unlike last year this announcement is being made well in our temple. Let’s keep the Betsuin a constant in our lives advance so that everyone is on board. Even if you and and for generations to come. Flyers are available at the “dancing” don’t get along, please consider coming out with office and for questions, please call Kenji Hatakeyama at friends to listen and enjoy the sounds and rhythms of (323) 719-4479. Kokoro. There will even be an area carved out for ‘live (Form can be found on the last page of this issue)

CELEBRATING THE 50th

Rimban Briones and Rev. Takata conducting the Bishop Kodo Umezu assists the Wakabayashi Co. “Auspicious Commemoration Service for Trans- in packing the Amida statue to be shipped to Kyoto porting Amida Buddha Statue and Altar” for refur- for refurbishment. bishment. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 9

(Rimban - continued from page 1) (Essays- continued from page 7)

of spiritual/mystical practice in the history of mankind. It is has acquired the knowledge themselves from someone natural for people to want to be blessed with personal else. We learn how do like a craft from our leader and set benefit. the example for the younger girls and teach them what As Jodo Shin Buddhist we reject this form of prayer since we learned. On my basketball team, my coaches are also the basic teaching rests on the Law of Cause and Effect. like dharma school teachers because the ministers would Buddhism teaches that happiness and unhappiness are be the people that taught them how to play basketball. the results of action. And that good fortune and misfor- My coaches teach us different techniques to do during our tune are also the results of ones thoughts, words, and games that we practice to help us. I hope, if I have kids, deeds. If we cannot understand this then for sure we will I could teach them how to play basketball. continue to be frustrated and unhappy. By learning about sangha, I understand how it can be For Buddhists we are to awaken or be mindful of our in- seen through the many parts of my life. We pass on Bud- nate inner capacities of strength, compassion and wisdom dhist traditions just like we pass on how to do a craft or rather to petition external forces. The well-being of human how to do a play in basketball. These analogies help me life is dependent upon the consequences of our actions. remember what sangha means and can help me pass on There are no miracles, magic or prayers that can change the meaning of sangha as well. the course of events. Amitabha Amitayus — by Kendall Kirio Amida Buddha is not a god, a creator of the universe, a When we come to the temple, we are always reminded to being who watches over me and the world or that judges thank Amida Buddha. However, probably only a few of us the action of man. Rather Amida Buddha is ultimate actually know who we’re thanking, other than an obscure truth/reality. Amida is the living compassion, free from all idea of a very wise man. Understanding what his name limitations. means can help us understand who he is. There are two interpretations of his name: Amitabha and Amitayus. Therefore, there is no judge and no judgment. There is While the two names are very similar, they are not identi- no wrong and there is no right. There are only the effects cal. of our thoughts, words and deeds. These effects exist as Amitabha is conveys two meanings. The first part, “amita” the consequences of what we think, say and do. And, means immeasurable or uncountable. This can be likened how we respond to these effects, determines what our to infinite. The second part, “bha” means light. This light next moment shall be. It determines what type of human can be understood as the connections between people. being I shall become. So “Amitabha” means immeasurable or uncountable light, As Shin Buddhist we do not consider the Nembutsu a or in everyday terms, infinite connections. This interpre- mantra or prayer to be used to evoke awaking or to invoke tation of the name explains this is the Buddha of the infi- Amida. It’s not even a practice or good action that helps nite connections that link everything. us reach enlightenment. These connections can be explained by a circle of friends. The recitation of Nembutsu, “Namo Amida Butsu,” is the Every friend is connected to each other. Every person in outward expression of appreciation and gratitude to that circle knows other people outside that circle of Amida. My saying “Namo Amida Butsu” is not merely my friends. Those people outside the circle know other peo- saying it… rather it is Amida calling to me. Therefore ple. So one friend in that circle is connected to another Amida Buddha is not the object I am calling, rather the friend, who is connected to a relative, who is connected subject who calls to me. to another person. These connections form a global web The wonderful thing about Nembutsu is that when we say that links any one person to any other person. These con- Namo Amida Butsu, anywhere or anytime, it transforms nections also link other things, such as the grass cows the ordinary and mundane into the path of awakening. eat, which go into the hamburgers that we eat. There are Nembutsu enriches our lives with deep spiritual connec- so many of these links that they can’t be counted – there tion and makes every moment special manifesting the are an infinite number of them. Pure Land here and now. Amitayus also consists of two meanings. “Amita,” as men- Namoamidabutsu tioned before, is immeasurable or uncountable. In every- day terms, it means infinite. However, “yus” means something a bit different than “bha.” Rather than connec- tions, “yus” means life. When the two meanings are put (continued on page 11) MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 10

BETSUIN PIX

Institute of Buddhist Studies / Buddhist Churches of America Winter Pacific Seminar - “East Meets West: Higashi and Nishi Per- spectives”- held at the LA Betsuin and at Hi- gashi Honganji. Pictured to the left is the Higashi onaijin with the panelists Rinban No- riaki Ito, Dr. Mark Blum, and Rev. Marvin Harada. Below are some of the Nishi Hong- wanji and Higashi Honganji ministers.

Hundreds came to enjoy the Surf and Turf dinner and play a game of BINGO.

Board Luncheon Entertainment Former Betsuin president, Lonny Quon, leads Betsuin president, Kenji Hatakeyama, Rev. Nakata, Rev. Fukuma, and Rimban Briones in a dance wearing workers’ vests Pictured are the newly-installed officers of the Betsuin temple and the var- and protective helmets. ious affiliated organizations. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 11

IN MEMORIAM BETSUIN MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES The Nishi Betsuin extends its deepest condolences to the families of the following members who have recently SUNDAY, MAY 29th passed away. May the family members find solace and BETSUIN 10:00 am comfort in the Nembutsu. BETSUIN NOKOTSU-DO 11:00 am --Namo Amida Butsu January, 2016 6 Shizue Yamashiro LOS ANGELES BUDDHIST 22 Noburo Kaku 10 Norio Otani 22 Takashi Uyejo 16 Tsutomu Ben Mito TEMPLE FEDERATION SERVICES 22 Fred Takeru Jr. Sako 17 Etsuko Igi 29 Junichi John Fujinaka 19 Kenneth Mitsuharu SATURDAY, MAY 28th 29 Ben Shoji Noda Yokoyama RIVERSIDE CEMETERY 9:00 am 30 Setsuko Kominami 19 Toshiaki Hamai JACCC ALL WARS MEMORIAL MONUMENT 11:00 am 21 Lillian Midori Mikuriya February, 2016 22 Greggory Okaneko SUNDAY, MAY 29th 2 Walter Kakuro 29 May Yukiye Fujino PACIFIC CREST CEMETERY 9:00 am Matsumura NEWPORT BEACH HIGASHI HONGANJI 9:00 am 3 Chie Iseri March, 2016 PACIFIC VIEW MEMORIAL PARK 10:00 am 3 Ben Tsutomu Kawaguchi 3 Saburo Nishikawa GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK 11:00 am 3 Sumiko Tsuchiyama 11 Theodore Takeshi Tsuji 3 Hisashi Furuta 14 Ayako Nomoto MONDAY, MAY 30th 4 Utano Okita EVERGREEN CEMETERY MUEN-TO 9:30 am IREI-TO 10:00 am KUYO-TO (Hiroshima Kenjinkai) 10:30 am NISEI VETS 11:00 am

ROSE HILLS MEMORIAL PARK NISEI VETS 9:00 am IREI-TO 10:00 am

WOODLAWN MEMORIAL CEMETERY 9:00 am

ANGELES MEMORIAL CEMETERY 11:00 am

INGLEWOOD PARK CEMETERY 2:00 pm WEAR A YUKATA!

(Essays- continued from page 9) Again, this year, for the Betsuin’s Obon, dressers will be available. Essentials for wearing a yukata are: together, “Amitayus” can be translated to immeasurable a) yukata, life. So this interpretation explains this is the Buddha of in- b) obi, finite life. c) 2 koshihimo (narrow ties at least 2 yards long to Both interpretations complement each other. If you imag- secure your yukata) ine that aforementioned circle of friends, there an infinite d) geta or zouri for footwear and no tabi number of connections among them. They link any one e) hadajuban - undergarment (if not available, a person in the group to any other thing. However, that also tank top and shorts will be fine) means there are an infinite number of lives that are being For men: connected. That is why both names can describe the same a) yukata person. One cannot exist without the other. b) obi Amitabha and Amitayus may not be identical in meaning, c) 1 koshihimo (see above) but describe the same entity. Both meanings are a power- d) geta or zouri (no tabi) ful insight into who the Buddha is. After reading this, we e) Shorts will be fine for underneath should know what the names mean. And hopefully it means that thanking Amida Buddha is more meaningful. MAY-JUNE 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 12

OBON OBON KIMONO-MANIA CARNIVAL Sunday, June 26 11:30 am - 4:00 pm JULY 9 & 10 @ LA Betsuin - Lotus Room

MANY ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR WEAR AT OBON: (Dancing and Tea Ceremony wear) yukata • summer kimono • dress kimono • haori • happi • undergarments • juban • OBON DANCE various sized obi • zouri • geta MEN’S AND CHILDREN’S PRACTICE DATES ITEMS ALSO AVAILABLE

Where: Northwest Parking Lot Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays Betsuin Jiho June 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30 July 2, 7 Editor-in-Chief: Rimban William Briones & 9 @ Keiro Retirement Home @ 6:00 pm English Editor: Elaine Fukumoto Photos: Koichi Sayano & Glen Tao SO. DISTRICT OBON ODORI SCHEDULE

June 11 July 23 & 24 Arizona 6:45 Pasadena 6:30 June 18 & 19 Vista 6:30 Sun Valley 7:00 / 6:30 July 30 & 31 June 25 & 26 WLA 5:30 San Fernando 7:00 / 6:30 Higashi 6:30- not BCA West Covina 7:00 - not BCA (Saturday) August 6 July 2 Las Vegas 12:45 - not BCA (Saturday) Senshin 7:00 (Saturday) San Diego 6:30 (Saturday only) July 9 & 10 August 8 L.A. BETSUIN 7:00 / 6:00 Gardena 6:00 Oxnard 6:00 (Saturday only) July 16 & 17 Orange County 7:00 Santa Barbara 4:00 (Saturday only) Venice 6:30 HATSUMAIRI MAY 22, 2016 REGISTRATION FORM

NAME OF CHILD: ______

BOY ____ GIRL ____ BIRTHDATE: ______

NAME IN KANJI

PARENTS’ NAME: ______

EMAIL:______

TEL: ______

ADDRESS:______

______ZIP: ______

PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM TO THE BETSUIN OFFICE BY: MAY 8, 2016

LA Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 815 E. 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tel: 213-680-9130

Email: [email protected] FAX: 213-680-2210

MAY 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Family Service 10:00 am Shoshin Nembutsu-ge Intro to the Three Pure Contemporary Issues & Traditions of (Shoshinge) Land Sutras Jodo Shinshu Perspective Nishi Hongwanji Myokonin Rev Takata Rev Furumoto Rimban Briones Rev. Kodani Rev Unno 6:30-7:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 10:00 - 11:30 am 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Mother’s Day Service 10:00 am Shoshin Nembutsu-ge Jodo Shinshu Rtual on Myokonin Eitaikyo Shotsuki Hoyo (Shoshinge) Death and Dying (JPN) Rev Takata Rev Takata Rev Unno 1:00 pm Board Meeting 7:30 pm 6:30-7:30 pm Bon Odori Exercise 6:30 pm 10:00 - 11:00 am 10:00 - 11:30 am 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Go-Meinichi-ko 1:30 pm Regular Service 10:00 am Shoshin Nembutsu-ge Intro to the Three Pure (Shoshinge) Land Sutras Myokonin Rev Takata Rev Furumoto Rev Unno 6:30-7:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 10:00 - 11:30 am

Bon Odori Exercise 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:30 am

Gotan-ye & Intro to the Three Pure Traditions of Jodo Shinshu Rtual on Memorial Day Hatsumairi Land Sutras Nishi Hongwanji Death and Dying (JPN) Services Service 10:00 am Rev Furumoto Rev. Kodani Rev Takata 7:00-8:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 10:00 - 11:00 am 29 30 31

Memorial Day Memorial Day Service 10:00 am Services Nokotsudo 11:00 am JUNE 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4

Jodo Shinshu Rtual on Myokonin Death and Dying (JPN) Rev Unno Rev Takata 10:00 - 11:30 am 10:00 - 11:00 am

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Myokonin Regular Service 10:00 am Rev Unno 10:00 - 11:30 am

Board Meeting 7:30 pm 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Bon Odori Regular Service 10:00 am Go-Meinichi-ko 1:30 pm Jodo Shinshu Rtual on Practice Death and Dying (JPN) 7:00-8:30 pm Rev Takata Eitaikyo Shotsuki Hoyo Bon Odori 10:00 - 11:00 am 1:00 pm Practice 7:00-8:30 pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Father’s Day Service 10:00 am Bon Odori Bon Odori Practice Practice 7:00-8:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm 26 27 28 29 30 31

Regular Service Graduation & Attendance Awards Bon Odori Bon Odori 10:00 am Practice Practice 7:00-8:30 pm 7:00-8:30 pm